BRITISH MINERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 12 June 1929, Page 5

BRITISH MINERS

TROUBLE THREATENING OBJECTION TO DISTRICT AGREEMENTS ; (United Preu Aseociatioa—By SUctrle Telegraph—CopyrighW (Australian Preaa Association) LONDON, 11th June. The "Daily Express" Labour correspondent says that difficulties are again threatening the mining industry. Nearly all wages agreements in connection with the coalfields expire in 1929, and the miners intend to press for a return to the national wages agreement, instead of the present district agreements, also for an increase in the minimum wage. If the coal owners refuse a national agreement, the miners will appeal to the Government. .

Yesterday the Conciliation Board met to consider a fresh agreement for South Wales, but the delegates of the men refused to enter into another! (""strict agreement without, consulting fhe Miners' Federation, and the meeting was accordingly adjourned. Otherwise a spirit of conciliation prevailed. The problem of the future of the mine's will be a foremost question at the conference of the Miners' Federation to be held: at Blackpool in the middle of July, when the repeal of the Eight Hours Act will be urged on the Government. AWKWARD SITUATION FOR NEW GOVERNMENT (Received 12th June, 9.45 a.m.). LONDON, 11th June. With the expiry of the district coalfields agreements' at the end ,of the year, the Miners' Federation is expected to demand a national agreement and a national minimum wage, creating an awkward situation for the MacDonald Government. Mr Cook in an article in the "Weekly Miner" states: "The miners voted solidly for the repeal of the Eight Hours Act, and for new compensation and minimum wage Acts, and the nationalisation of.mines. I feel sure that the liabo'ur Government will not betray its trust, but the Government must be' given a chance, seeing that it lias not got a clear majority'. The Labour Party is pledged to move at its first session for the Tepeal of the Eight Hours Act."

Mr Cook has joined the Independent Labour Partv.